We Test the Best Battery-Powered Lawnmowers

Press the start button on a cordless lawnmower and cut your grass with quiet, clean energy from a battery. We gathered seven battery lawnmowers and operated each in mulching mode until its battery died or its cut quality dropped off significantly, which gave us enough data to estimate how much grass each machine could mow on a charge (of course, your mowing experience will depend on your grass and how you cut it).

Homelite UTl3126

Likes: In terms of cut area, the easy-rolling Homelite came closer to gas engine mower performance than any other product. It just cuts and cuts, and when it can’t cut anymore, a well-positioned battery charge light on the upper handle tells you. We also liked its 9 1/2-inch rear wheels, its single-lever deck height adjustment, and a battery that’s easy to put in and take out.

Disikes: The handle, axles, and deck lift are all substantial, but the deck is thin gauge steel with a poorly done weld at the rear baffle, making it appear to be the weak link on an otherwise fine mower.